Does the Reflector make a difference?

[coconut123]

Hi all, My goal is to get the most possible yield from a 600w, HPS system. Iâ??m doing a scrog, ebb/flow setup.

I heard that a 600w will cover a 12sf area (3â?? by 4â??), this will give 50w/sf. I find that I can put the lamp 14â?� away from the top of the plants without them burning. So, I took a piece of white Styrofoam and placed it 14â?� under the light and marked the bright area,(pic below) it was 30â?� by 36â?�, = 7.5 sf = 80w/sf. What would give me more yield, making my screen 30 by 36 at 80w/sf or making screen 3â?? by 4â?? and raising the lamp to get 50w/sf.

The pic below shows the reflector that came with my $200 budget 600w system. Perhaps a better reflector would make my â??bright areaâ?� larger thus making for a larger screen area and producing more yield? Thatâ??s right, back to the questionâ?¦..â?� Does the Reflector make a differenceâ?�? and what Reflectors do you guys like?

Sorry this post is so wordy, you should have seen my first draftâ?¦LOL. Thanks guys.

[moody420]

my vote is yes, the reflector makes a big difference. It helps distribute light more evenly. :jointsmile:

[Darkone7]

I most certainly agree with the above poster. . the reflector makes a big difference both to amount of reflected light and the size of the "footprint" your bulb will achieve.

I have used a lot of different reflectors over the years from DIY to tubes,disc and coffin box types.

I have settled (at least for now) on the LuminAire6 reflectors.
I prefer active air cooled reflectors as opposed to passive ,like your current one as they can be moved to within only a few inches of your plants.With a scrog system this may not be as important to you as you only need full Lumen output to the top few inches of your plants (anything above your screen).

Here are some specs on these reflectors. . .

For those that need efficient air-cooling, the LumenAire 6 Reflector has 6''integrated air-cool fittings for maximum air movement. The internal reflective surface is made from AlumaBrite, a highly reflective imported aluminum. The socket assembly and 15' lamp cord are built into the reflector. It comes complete with tempered glass and wire hangers. It will accommodate all bulb sizes. It measures 25'' x 12'' x 8''. Comes with a Lifetime Warranty.

As for raising your light to increase your footprint ,again because you are scrog and so not worried about deep penetration I would think that would be the route to go to help with a better yield.